Lynn, Rodón unfazed by looming free agency

MINNEAPOLIS -- Lance Lynn and Carlos Rodón represent two-thirds of the 2021 White Sox All-Star contingency.

Lynn and Rodón also are two of the main reasons why the White Sox entered Monday’s series opener with a six-game lead in the American League Central. Let’s not forget they both are veteran family men, who will be free agents after this current campaign.

So even in the heart of a postseason push, it would seem only natural for the pair to think about their bright futures. But that assumption would not be accurate.

“You really don’t try to think about the future,” said Lynn, who is in the last season of a three-year, $30 million deal. “The more I try to control what’s going to happen in free agency, the worse things go. So I just take it one start at a time, enjoy being with my teammates, enjoy where I’m at -- whatever happens after that happens. It’s part of the gig.”

“Those things are going to take care of themselves,” Rodón told MLB.com during a recent interview. “My performance on the field is going to dictate what happens after this year. That’s it. It’s pretty simple.”

When asked if it would be tough to leave the White Sox -- the only place he has ever known as a professional baseball player since being drafted third overall in 2014 -- Rodón added, “It would be hard to leave, but we’ll see.”

The South Side and Lynn seem to be a perfect fit. He’s a larger-than-life competitor, who isn’t afraid to express himself on the mound while he’s competing. He’s also an extremely funny individual who can turn a postgame quote.

There’s a mutual appreciation between the 6-foot-5, 270-pound right-hander and the White Sox fan base.

“Living in the suburbs of Indiana, Indianapolis area, the South Side has a tendency to be a little bit more of a home feeling for me than any other place I’ve played. I’m really enjoying it,” Lynn said. “Whenever you have the fans supporting you and things like that, that’s what it’s all about.

“We play a game, but we play it for the fans to enjoy it. As long as they are enjoying me and I’m pitching well, I’m sure they will enjoy me more. We just have to keep going and winning games and everybody will be all right.”

Who’s on second?
Outfielder Adam Engel told MLB.com on Friday that he would be activated from the injured list during the Twins' series, and manager Tony La Russa confirmed it would be no later than Wednesday afternoon’s contest. The White Sox have an interesting roster decision with the return of Engel, who will start three games before the end of the first half, per La Russa.

Chicago could move a reliever, with four or five games remaining before the All-Star break and an off-day Thursday, although that move leaves the White Sox with just seven arms in the bullpen. They also could move Danny Mendick to Triple-A Charlotte, with the utility player having Minor League options remaining.

But Jake Burger, the No. 11 White Sox prospect, per MLB Pipeline, figures into the decision as well. If Mendick is the choice, Burger has played four games at second base for Charlotte this season and could play there in the Majors.

“Not only did the reports come back [Burger] looked like he could handle second base, but he has worked extra -- in Detroit, he worked just before [Yoán] Moncada hit,” La Russa said. “[Third-base coach Joe [McEwing] and [bench coach Miguel Cairo] had him out there at second base, making plays, turning double plays. I wouldn’t hesitate to play him there if we needed it.”

With Burger not starting Monday, though, the White Sox would prefer not to have him with the team as a part-time player.

“If he’s going to be a utility man, it’s probably not smart. This is where he needs at-bats,” La Russa said. “Everybody in the organization agrees with that. If he gets a lot of playing time, fine. If he’s just going to be a -- he’s not in there today, so if he’s only going to play a couple [of games] between now and Sunday, that may not be good for him or us.”

They said it
“It's a special honor. I've been through a lot. But there have been quite a few people who have helped along the way. I could not have done it without my family's support, my wife, my teammates. Some good defensive plays got me here. It's a special honor.” – Rodón, on being a first-time All-Star.